A cold dreary opening day that had players
starting play with top layers and blowing into their hands to stay warm!

Seeded players on both sides were rattled
by contenders hoping to take full advantage of their early nerves.

On the women’s side Poland’s Urzula
Radwanska ranked 37 in the world succeeded by beating 30th seeded Venus
Williams who has been struggling with form after returning from a long absence because
of Sjogren’s Syndrome. This condition is associated with dry eyes, mouth and joint
pain and leaves the player very fatigued. I wish her better soon.

Her sister Serena, quickly restored family
pride showing why she is number 1 by powering through Georgian Anna Tatishvili
6-0, 6-1 in 51 minutes hitting 27 winners in the process.

107th ranked Petra Martic scared
14th seeded Anna Ivanovic who fought back the nerves to win 6-1,3-6, 6-3 in just under 2 hours in first
meeting.

On the men’s side Leighton Hewitt fought
hard over 3 hours and 19 minutes to depose local boy Simon of his 15th
seed perch only narrowly missing out at the last hurdle losing 7-5 in the 5th
after clawing his way back from 5-0 down and being 2 sets to love up. It’s good
to have Leighton back again.

My pick for big round 1 matches of the day
on Monday are the returning Frenchman Monfils against 5th seed Berdych
in the Men’s. In the Womens its Laura Robson against the struggling former World number 1 Caroline Wozniacki who has suffered first round losses in her last 5 tournaments.
Robson will fancy her chances having beaten top players Li Na and Radwanska
recently.

Looking forward to a great day of tennis.
Will another upset be on the cards?

Have a super day :) Don’t ever stop giving your very best just because you are playing the
best. It will pay off as it did for today’s winners.